Dodgers Notes from Spring Training- Day 5

Chad Billingsley sits with Tony Kinkela of Dodgers on Demand, via Twitter @JessRosales1.

Throughout Spring Training the Dodgers PR department sends out helpful daily notes from Camelback Ranch, and I am happy to pass them along.

• THE ARTISTS: As we near the first full squad workout, 80% of the starting rotation fired bullpens today as Clayton Kershaw, Chad Billingsley, Ted Lilly and Aaron Harang took the mound along with Jamey Wright, Fernando Nieve, Angel Guzman, Wilfredo Ledezma, Josh Lindblom, Nathan Eovaldi, Chris Withrow, Scott Rice, Ryan Tucker and Michael Antonini.

(Pic Credit: Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers)

• SORE HORSE(S): A couple of Dodger non-roster pitchers were nursing injuries today as right-hander Shane Lindsay (right shoulder soreness) has yet to throw a bullpen this spring. RHP Ryan Tucker (stiff neck) was able to loosen up and throw his scheduled bullpen session.

• THE DESCENDANTS: The Dodgers would like to welcome former right-handed reliever Tom Niedenfuer to Camelback Ranch-Glendale. Niedenfuer led the Dodgers in saves in both 1984 and 1985 and his 64 rescues from 1981-87 rank 10^th in franchise history. Of the hurlers ahead of Niedenfuer on the list, six amassed their totals after he did, including the top three of Eric Gagné (161, 2002-2006), Jeff Shaw (129, 1998-2001) and Todd Worrell (127, 1993-97). Other include No. 6 Jay Howell (85, 1988-92), No. 7 Jonathan Broxton (84, 2006-11) and No. 9 Takashi Saito (81, 2006-08). Current closer Javy Guerra is tied for 26^th on that list with 21 saves.

• MY WEEK WITH PSYCHO: The Dodgers would like to welcome PRIME TICKET’s Steve Lyons, who arrived at Camelback Ranch today to shoot several pieces that will air throughout the season. Lyons will be in Arizona until March 2, interviewing Don Mattingly, Matt Kemp, Clayton Kershaw, Dee Gordon and Mark Ellis, among others. Lyons is beginning his eighth season as a member of the Dodger broadcasts, providing analysis alongside Eric Collins for all road games outside of the National League West. “Psycho” also provides analysis for PRIME TICKET’s “Dodgers Live” pre and post-game shows, where he breaks down the games with Patrick O’Neal, Jim Watson and Chris McGee.

(Pic Credit Jon SooHoo/ Los Angeles Dodgers)

• THE TREE OF LIFE: The Dodgers would like to wish a very happy birthday to former outfielder and first baseman Matt Luke, who turns 42 today. Luke wore Dodger Blue in 1998 and 1999, hitting 12 home runs in just 237 at-bats. Currently, he is a member of the Dodgers Alumni Association, making community appearances and hosting autograph signings on behalf of the club.

• 9 AM IN LOS ANGELES: This Saturday, March 3 at 10:00 a.m. fans can purchase a limited number of Opening Day tickets as well as single-game regular season tickets at Dodger Stadium and on Dodgers.com. Prices on many advanced individual tickets for the 2012 season after Opening Day have been reduced as much as $20 per ticket. The Dodger Stadium gates will open at 9:00 a.m. and the annual On Sale festivities will include music, trivia and contests, hosted by AM 570 Fox Sports Radio. Additionally, fans that purchase at least one ticket at Dodger Stadium at the On Sale event will receive a Dodger gift.

• THE HELP: On March 1, the Dodgers will hold their annual open tryout here at Camelback Ranch – Glendale, hosted by the amateur scouting department. The tryout will take place from 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. and potential prospects can call 323-224-1512 for details and instructions.
  

2012 Topps Gold Rush Wrapper Redemption- Dodgers

Following up on my previous post featuring 2012 Topps cards, I now focus on several wrapper redemption cards that are just starting to arrive in the mail boxes of eager collectors. As you probably already know, Topps offered limited 5 card packs of "Gold Rush" cards with a redemption of either 50 hobby pack wrappers (packs bought at retail stores like Target or Walmart do not qualify) or 14 jumbo wrappers.

There are 50 cards in this limited set, and 4 of them are Dodgers. Check them all out below. I did not purchase any hobby packs so I won't be receiving any packs to open, but I've been checking out eBay and discovered that they are very affordable- no more than a couple of bucks a piece. The real draw to these redemption packs is that autographed versions are randomly inserted within them. Either, Kemp and Sandy Koufax autographs are available. So far, I've only seen the Andre Ethier autographed card offered for sale.

Sandy Koufax

Matt Kemp

Clayton Kershaw

Andre Ethier

eBay: Davey Lopes Complete Throwback Jersey

This is very cool.

Up for sale through eBay is a complete 2011 Dodgers throwback jersey that was worn and signed by Davey Lopes.

The seller indicates that it originally came from the Dodgers Dream Foundation and is from the August 31st game against the Padres. We beat the Padres 4 to 2 that day. The jersey, pants, and hat have a MLB hologram on it.

(Auction Link)

Dodgers Sunday Videos

For your viewing pleasure.

Watch Ned Colletti as he drops the opening puck during Dodger Pride Night at the LA Kings game. He also talks some hockey and Baseball.

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Clayton Kershaw look to improve.

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Don Mattingly talks about the Dodger bullpen.

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MLB Access: Beast Mode with Matt Kemp

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Dodgers Notes from Spring Training- Day 4

Matt Kemp signs for fans. Pic via Jon SooHoo/ Los Angeles Dodgers.

Throughout Spring Training the Dodgers PR department sends out helpful daily notes from Camelback Ranch, and I am happy to pass them along.

• THE MEN IN THE ‘PEN: With the majority of the starting rotation throwing yesterday, the Dodger relief corps took to the mounds today with Matt Guerrier, Todd Coffey, Ramon Troncoso, Kenley Jansen, Javy Guerra, Scott Elbert, Ronald Belisario, Josh Wall, John Grabow, Alberto Castillo and Matt Chico throwing bullpens today. Starters Chris Capuano, Stephen Fife and Will Savage joined the relievers for a Saturday throw-day.

• GOOD BREW: Todd Coffey threw his second bullpen session of Spring Training today as he enters his eighth Major League campaign following seasons with the Reds (2005-08), Brewers (2008-10) and Nationals (2011). Since making his debut in 2006, the 31-year-old had been one of the game’s best relievers at inducing ground balls with his 683 ground balls trailing only Chad Qualls (891), Shawn Camp (765), Matt Guerrier (732) and Mariano Rivera (692). In 69 games with the Nationals last season, Coffey posted a career-best .244 opponents’ batting average and ranked seventh in the NL by stranding 80.6% of inherited runners.

(Andre Ethier speaks with the meadia his first day in camp, via Jon SooHoo Twitter @Dodgers)

• CLUBHOUSE FILLING UP: Andre Ethier had his first workout of the season today at Camelback Ranch after his 2011 season was shut down early due to September knee surgery. Despite battling the injury all season, Ethier earned his second consecutive All-Star selection, was awarded his first Rawlings Gold Glove and posted the second-longest hitting streak in franchise history with his 30-game run in April and May. Juan Uribe and Ivan De Jesus also joined the group of Dodger position players working out today at Camelback Ranch – Glendale ahead of Monday’s report date for the full squad.

• GET ‘EM WHILE THEY’RE HOT: Single-game tickets will go on sale a week from today on Saturday, March 3 at 10:00 a.m. with fans having the opportunity to purchase a limited number of Opening Day tickets and as well as single-game regular season tickets at Dodger Stadium and on Dodgers.com. Prices on advanced individual tickets for the 2012 season after Opening Day – Top Deck, Reserve, Loge, Field, Right and Left Field Pavilions – have been reduced as much as $20 per ticket. Dodger fans are invited to celebrate the start of the 2012 Season in parking Lots B and P and enjoy their first Dodger Dog of the year. The Dodgers’ annual On Sale festivities will include music, trivia and contests and will be hosted by AM 570 Fox Sports Los Angeles. Additionally, fans that purchase at least one ticket at Dodger Stadium at the On Sale event will receive a Dodger gift.

(Matt Kemp & Juan Uribe, via Jon SooHoo Twitter @Dodgers)

• HEY, WHY NOT?: On March 1, the Dodgers will hold their annual open tryout here at Camelback Ranch – Glendale, hosted by the amateur scouting department. The tryout will take place from 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. and potential prospects can call 323-224-1512 for details and instructions.

• TROLLEY DODGERS: New for 2012, fans can ride a free trolley from the Westgate City Center to all Dodgers and White Sox games at Camelback Ranch – Glendale. The trolley stop is located on Westgate Boulevard right across from Yard House and drops off outside the ballpark. The trolley runs every 40 minutes starting at 11:00 a.m. with continuous service throughout and after the game.